I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the sun peeking through the trees. I stretched, feeling the stiffness in my muscles from sleeping on the hard ground. The forest was quiet, except for the occasional rustling of leaves.
"Last night wasn't a dream, was it" I sighed and grabbed my backpack. "Still tho how did I disappear here? and where's ade and professor Umaru?"
I stood up and thought, then I brushed off the dirt in my pants, and looked around. The clearing was still there, and the stream was babbling along, its gentle gurgling a soothing sound.
I checked my system message:
"
- Rank: F-
- Level: 1
- HP: 50/50
- MP: 10/10
- Strength: 5
- Agility: 12
- Intelligence: 8
- Endurance: 14"
'F- not even F? This is the worst'
I packed my backpack, making sure I had everything. The sword felt heavier this morning, and I wondered if I'd actually be able to use it.
'Nah I won't think I'll be able to use this he's too heavy'
I followed the stream, trying to find a path or a way out of the forest. The trees seemed to close in around me, casting deep shadows that made me feel like I was being watched.
As I walked, I noticed the Scrabbler (the small, rabbit-like creature) watching me from a distance. It seemed to be following me, but it didn't come any closer.
'
I continued walking, trying to find something - anything. The forest seemed endless, and I was starting to feel like I was going in circles.
After a few hours of walking, I heard a strange noise. It sounded like... growling?
"What now?!" I screamed
I stopped, listening carefully. The growling got louder, and I saw movement in the bushes.
I clenched my sword tight, "Here goes nothing"
I thought , trying to remember the game's mechanics. The growling stopped, and a creature emerged from the bushes.
It was a Gweak, a small, wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes. It was a Rank F-monster, and I had fought them before in the game. But this time, I was the one who was F-ranked instead of being SSS+ like the when I was in the real world.
The Gweak charged, and I swung my sword, trying to remember the timing of the game's combat system. But I was too slow, and the Gweak dodged my attack.
The Gweak counterattacked, and I tried to defend myself, but my sword was too heavy, and I stumbled back. The Gweak was about to finish me off when the Scrabbler darted in, biting at its legs.
The Gweak yelled, distracted by the Scrabbler's attack. I took advantage of the momentary distraction to swing my sword again, but I missed, and the Gweak counterattacked again.
This time, I was too slow, and the Gweak's claws slashed across my chest. I felt a searing pain, and my vision blurred.
"
'This is bad this is really really bad'
The Scrabbler chirped, and I knew I had to get out of there. I turned and ran, the Gweak hot on my heels. I stumbled and tripped, but managed to keep running.
Finally, I saw a tree with a low-hanging branch. I jumped, grabbing the branch, and pulled myself up just as the Gweak was about to attack.
I sat there, panting, and looked down at the Gweak. It was still growling, but it didn't seem to be able to
The Scrabbler chirped, and I looked down at my chest. The wound was still bleeding, but it didn't seem to be too deep.
I ran and didn't stop
"
I sighed, feeling a mix of anger and frustration.
'At this rate I'm not gonna survive I need to become stronger!'
To be continued...